by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama spoke by phone with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday about a possible long-term cease-fire with the Palestinians, aides said.

The two leaders discussed "ongoing efforts to get a sustainable cease-fire in place with respect to Gaza," said National Security Council spokesman Benjamin Rhodes.

The two leaders spoke hours before the midnight expiration of the latest cease-fire between the Israelis and Palestinians.

It was the first time Obama and Netanyahu have spoken by phone since July 27. The two leaders spoke three times in the period from July 10 to July 27.

The United States, Israel and the Palestinians are involved in negotiations on a longer-term truce, including a peace proposal from the Egyptian government.

A White House statement on the Netanyahu call said that Obama "reaffirmed the United States' support for Egypt's mediation efforts and underscored the importance of achieving a sustainable outcome that ensures Israel's security and addresses Gaza's humanitarian crisis."